The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that some New Plymouth District councillors have missed dozens of official meetings. Released attendance records show multiple councillors regularly giving no apology at all for absences, despite being paid to represent ratepayers.Taxpayers’ Union Investigations...
Responding to news that the Government is extending childcare subsidies to families earning up to $229,100 a year, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling the move completely out of touch.Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:“If you're pulling in nearly double the average household income, you do not need a handout from other...
A significant blunder in New Plymouth’s annual plan, described as a ‘typo’, could see ratepayers pay more than $100 this year than initially indicated.Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said: “It’s hard to understate how much of a cock-up this is. Ratepayers deserve far better attention to detail...
Commenting on ACT leader David Seymour’s remarks that rates caps should wait until local government costs are under control, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:“Spiralling rates are one of the biggest drivers of the cost-of-living crisis, with the average bill ballooning 34 percent in just three years. Ratepayers can’t afford...
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out Crown Regional Holdings (formerly the Provincial Growth Fund) after a new report revealed more than 54 percent of its $257 million loan book is at risk of default or impairment and three more recipients have gone into liquidation since the report was finalised.Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Rhys...
Responding outside the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ)'s Annual General Meeting this morning, where 82 percent of members voted to mount a ratepayer-funded campaign against the Government and the Taxpayers Union's efforts for rates capping legislation, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said: "LGNZ are gaslighting ratepayers. So desperate to...